Songs on the Songbird Riddim released in 2013 from the US Virgin Islands

One day I was watching Tempo and I saw some familiar faces like Pressure and Niyorah from the Virgin Islands were performing in a music video. I tuned in closer and realized that it was a riddim track which uses one melody but features several artists. The music was quite mellow and the lyrics seemed positive so I ran to the computer to get some more information.

The riddim is called "Songbird Riddim" and the album was released on May 21, 2013 by I Grade Records as "Zion I Kings Riddim SeriesVol. 1". The music writers are Laurent Tippy Alfred and David Goldfine. Sixteen (16) reggae artists hailing from the Virgin Islands, Jamaica and the US sang on this riddim.

The music video that I watched featured the VI artists, Pressure with "The Rain", Niyorah with "War Is Not The Answer", Junior P with "Times Ah Get Hard", Miseal Gonzalez with "The Power of Love", Dushane with "Holding On To Freedom" and Ras Batch with"So Beautiful". Midnite from St. Croix also performed "A New Overstanding" on this riddim.

The track list is with snippets of the lyrics are:

1. She's Got Soul - Lutan Fyah

"Because she's blessed with the gift of love, she's got soul".

2. The Rain - Pressure

"The rain is no different from my tears, when I look at what my people bear, I swear, I never give up the fight and show no fear"

3. So Beautiful - Ras Batch

4. I Know - Danny I

"I know that I never, ever walk alone, in Jah presence Rasta build his home and me know from me little and me grow".

5. Bumpy Ride - Glen Washington

6. War is Not the Answer - NiyoRah

"Waris not the answer, create love always".

7. Best in Life - Jahdan Blakkamoore

"Looking forward to the best in life, nah bother with no stress in life, so many valleys to walk, rivers to cross and so many mountains to climb".

8. A New Overstanding - Midnite

9. Tension - Jah9

"There is tension building inside I and I'm trusting my spirit to guide I, even if no one else overstands, I have got to do what it demands".

10. Times Ah Get Hard - Junior P

"Time ah get hard...through this money thing people hand get sticky".

11. The Power of Love - Misael

"Caring for each other is what it's all about, I don't care where you've been living, as long as you can feel it, together we can make it grow".

12. Don't Let Go - Shay

"Goodbye is too easy, to give up so freely nowadays, it's a fight to stay but don't let go".

13. Holding onto Freedom - Dushane

"I'm holding on to freedom, seeking out Jah face".

14. JAH Preserve - Reemah

15. Call on JAH Name - Duane Stephenson

16. Birds of Praise - Tuff Lion (riddim only)

The artists definitely put time and energy into the music because lyrically, the album is well done. If you love reggae, then this is an album that you need to have in your collection.

Thinking with a Different Mindset

It's never been enough to just make it on the borderline. You have to always aim for the top. There'll be discouragement and even discord; but you have to persevere. There's a lot to stop you from moving forward. However, you have what it takes. Use your talents to your advantage. Be confident and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Be mindful of the people around you. While some are true well-wishers, many are not really for you. There are even those who will block your progress. However, you don't focus on that. You continue to work hard and show them that you are not worrying about them.

Stay on course. Network with the right people. Build your expertise by seeking appropriate training and march forward.

Ribbon

Happy 2014 from Words of Ribbon

As my first official blog post for 2014, I would like to wish everyone all the best in life, love and all their endeavors. Let us continue to embrace change, work hard and support unity. Don't live in fear of life. Instead, embark on new journeys - by physically going and setting new goals for your spiritual life. It's not going to be easy because we know what we faced in 2013. However, take this opportunity to make a bold step forward and live!

Ribbon

Stay on Track for Your Goals

It's not very often that we are able to gain success without there being some trials. Onlookers may think that it's been an easy road when you've struggled to get to where you are now. It's important in the journey not to get sidetracked by negative people. We all have those type of people around us who will dissuade us or make us feel small.

While you want to take constructive criticism, you do not have to subject yourself to hateful discourse. Once you have set your goal, you do your best to get to it. You control your destiny. You will need help along the way and you will also need prayer. You will have to be patient, understanding and diligent and you do have what it takes.

You have to find ways to block the 'hater' from your mind. Shut them out literally and physically. Absent yourself from their presence. Stay focused on your tasks and go forward with persistence and perseverance.

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POEM: Every Day

Every day is a day to give

Every day is a moment

to celebrate the life we live

no need to wait for a 

special occasion

a new occupation

or a preferred destination

because no moment can be predefined

and we never know

how much time
we will have
be true to yourself
and love those around you

live every moment
like it's brand new
don't get caught up
in the missing pieces
instead make your life
be a true thesis
a testimony to living to the fullest
and taking a smile even
when it's seems the dullest
take this moment to reflect
and then project
your positive energy
on enjoying your life.

© Linette Rabsatt

Merry Christmas

POEM: Keep Faith In Front

There's no need to hide

no need to think suicide

things will turnaround

even as cliché as it may sound

keep both feet on the ground

because trouble is all around

it chooses no particular person

but causes stress for all humans

so don't get tied up and twisted

thinking about the problems that persist

instead keep faith in your pocket

and hold love in your locker

put your mind on what you can change

and do your best to rearrange

what you have control over

for those things you have for which you have no charge

pretend like they're on a big barge

and let them sail from your mind

and in time

you will see that it will all turn around

and your happiness will be found

just keep hope and faith alive

and put positivity in all you strive

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